Betrothed to the Beast

by Elina Emerald

  As if to make up for his Chieftains inattention, Brodie rode by her side more than anyone else to keep her company and he always lightened the mood with his tales of adventures. Brodie made a friendly travelling companion, and the time passed quickly in his company. Rory had also talked to her more and there was a sparkle in his eye. They also flanked her at a discreet distance. It was true what they said about the MacGregors they protected their womenfolk. Having been free for so long to her own devices and not having anyone care where she was, it was somewhat stifling to be constantly followed and guarded. But there was nothing else for it but to comply. At least they were mostly polite to her, even if some men were gruff. If she were to find her family at least they headed her in the right direction and with protection so she would not complain.

  Beiste and his men wanted to be away from the lowlands as much as possible and even further away from the English border. They also wanted to be on safer terrain in the Highlands. Travelling on public roads always had its share of dangers, there were mercenaries and thieves and sometimes rival clan territories to move across. It was a foolish man who did not have a care for his surrounding and dallied too long in the open.

  As night approached on the second day Beiste called the troupe to a halt ordering they set up camp and get a good sleep. He also knew Amelia was exhausted and did not want her falling off her horse. He had admired her fortitude and resilience. Not once did she complain? She kept pace with them and refused to burden anyone in any way. He wondered what her upbringing was like to make her so independent.

  Immediately his men set into action securing the area gathering wood and building campsite. Amelia stiffened from the ride was trying to find out how to get off her saddle when she was gently lifted off her horse by large hands she looked to see Beiste holding her just as he set her down.

  It, surprised Amelia “Thank you Chieftain.” she stammered as he continued to hold her until circulation returned to her legs. “Beiste, that’s my name you will use it.” Amelia nodded. “Are you well?” he asked, concern marring his features.

  “Aye thank you just a bit sore.” She smiled up at him tentatively and for a moment his mask of indifference slipped, then it was back again.

  “Good, we camp here for the night.” With that, he released her hold and disappeared.

  Once the campsite was established Amelia sat on a fallen down tree log with Brodie. They partook of a light fare of oat cakes, stewed meat and cider. Beiste was still nowhere to be seen so Amelia settled around the fire in the company of the others.

  “Mistress is it true you saved Rory’s pecker from falling off?” Asked Kieran.

  “It wasn’t my pecker you idiot it was me thighs.” Retorted Rory.

  “Don’t lie Rory, we all know your pecker was close to rotting with under-use.” Brodie piped in while the men chuckled and snickered.

  “Mayhap tis your pecker that is rotting from over-use Brodie.”

  Brodie stood ready to belt Rory.

  Amelia quickly intervened. “Stop that now. Nobody’s manhood is rotting off and if it was, I am sure I have a salve that can help clear it up.”

  “Manhood? What is that?” Fergus raised his eyebrow.

  “Manhood, tis the more genteel term for you know,” she gestured towards his groin area.”

  “No, mistress I do not know what ye mean?” Rory said with a serious face.

  “Come to think of it, neither do I?” Brodie smirked.

  Kieran scratched his beard “I too do not understand what you mean by manhood mistress.”

  “You know, your man part.” Amelia was getting flustered but pointing around the groin again.

  “Ah you mean thigh?” Lachlan intervened.

  “No, I mean the thing you were talking about before.” She glared at Rory.

  “No need to get impatient mistress tis not our fault we don’t ken your healer terms.” Fergus snickered.

  “I think she means stomach, for we know the stomach is the way to a man’s part.” Brodie added, trying hard to keep a straight face.

  “No, a manhood is your pecker, your braw sack, your penis!” She blurted out, exasperated.

  “Well now mistress there’s no need for you to get so vulgar.” Kieran feigned disgust.

  When she looked around, she saw the sparkle in their eyes and Amelia knew they had just been toying with her. “Stupid imbeciles.” she huffed.

  With that they all roared with laughter and it was not too much longer before Amelia saw the humour in it too and giggled and then she laughed so loud she inadvertently snorted… again. She covered her face in mortification and they all burst into hysterics at her expense.

  A rustling came from behind them when the men stifled their laughter despite the mirth avidly displayed in their eyes. Amelia saw a shadow cast over her looking up directly at a glaring Beiste she covered her mouth to muffle her giggle. “Why are you ladies sitting around here coddling my betrothed? We have a lengthy ride tomorrow and there is still much to do. Get on with you!”

  “Aye Chief.” they responded as the group dispersed, Amelia could hear their chuckles echoing through the nearby woods. She watched them leave before returning her gaze to Beiste. By the look of his displeasure, she knew he was about to bark some order at her.

  “I'll not have you flirting with my men. There are dangers aplenty on these roads they need to be alert instead of entertaining you.” With that, he turned and stormed off to the other side of the campsite.

  Leaving an open-mouthed Amelia in stunned silence. What an ass.

  Beiste stormed into the clearing to get his thoughts together. He was furious at his men, engaging his betrothed in ribald laughter. He had done all he could to ignore her most of the day, only because she jumbled his thoughts and set his body on fire. If he spent too much time with her, he would likely consummate their union on the road and there was no way he would rut her within earshot of his men. He would do right by her, and their first time together would be in his bed, in his Keep, within the sanctity of marriage. When he helped her off her horse, it took all his willpower to step away from her and not carry her into the woods and ravish her. To see her laughing with his men and enjoying the company of Brodie and Lachlan, the handsome idiots it just grated his insides. He was never a jealous man until now. If only he could get her to laugh with him but, then that would mean he’d have to spend more time with her and with the direction his carnal thoughts were going it would be a long trip home.

  When the men returned from their chores, Beiste bade Kieran and Rory to accompany Amelia to a small stream to freshen up. Whilst they stood guard a few metres away Amelia stripped down to her chemise and with a wet cloth and some soap. Washed away as much of the dust and grime as she could. She had not seen Beiste again since mealtime and wondered where she would sleep tonight. Pondering such thoughts, she scrubbed herself some more.

  When Beiste returned to the campsite, he was clean he had taken a quick wash further down stream. The icy water rejuvenated the spirits. It was a habit for him and his men to wash when they could. He could not understand how many noblemen could go for days without bathing. It seemed barbaric to him. He wondered about their sleeping arrangements for the night.

  “Has Amelia returned?” He asked Brodie who was sitting by the campfire drinking cider.

  “She is still by the stream.”

  Beiste nodded and made his way to her when he came upon Kieran and Rory, who stood talking quietly with their backs to the stream. “Chief we need to know whether you need her to sleep near us or whether–”

  “She sleeps with me you are both relieved.”

  With that, both men grinned and quietly left.

  “Kieran? Rory? Are you still there?”

  “Amelia it’s Beiste. I’ve come to escort you back to camp.” He all but choked out. She came out from the bushes looking fresh and clean, wearing a kirtle and cloak. Beiste closed his eyes and drank in the scent on her. It felt erotic he needed to get a grip on thi
s or at least seek relief soon. He really had been far too long without a woman. That was it, it was not the effect of Amelia at all. He just hand not been with a woman in such a long time. Maybe once he did, he would get her out of his system. Eventually the feelings he had would wane. Isn’t that what happened with all marriages?

  “I’m ready.” Amelia broke his train of thought and was standing before him with her overlong damp hair loose about her. And that intoxicating smell. Lilacs, she smelled of lilacs. Beiste gritted his teeth, damn that enticing scent was playing havoc with his senses.

  “Good. Then we best be off.” He said in a hoarse voice.

  He took Amelia by the hand and it felt like lightening shot through his body just from her touch. Then walked her back to the campsite.

  Amelia thought she would faint when Beiste took her hand. It was like fire branding her. When they returned to the campsite, she released his hand and moved towards her belonging she had left in a corner. She began spreading out her blanket and preparing herself to lie down.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” Beiste towered over her.

  “I’m setting up my pallet to sleep.” She looked up, frowning in confusion.

  “Well, there doesn’t seem to be any room for me.”

  “There isn’t supposed to be room for you, I’m sleeping here alone.”

  “Not likely mo chridhe.”

  “Beiste I am fine sleeping alone.” She made to settle onto her pallet but instead found herself thrown over Beiste’s shoulder as he moved her towards his pallet by the fire.

  “Put me down.”

  He smacked her on the backside. “Shh you’ll wake the men.” He smirked. Then he gently laid her down on his pallet and wrapped his plaid around them both.

  Amelia was fuming, “Why must you be so high handed all the time?” She tried to move away from him, but his hands pulled her body back and kept her firmly in place.

  “Go to sleep wench we have a long day of travel on the morrow.” He tucked her head under his chin and settled into sleep.

  Amelia was too tired to protest. The day’s journey had taken its toll on her. She settled and enjoyed the smell of his clean masculine scent. She had to admit he was very warm as she drifted off to sleep.

  ***

  Rose honey

  For the next two days they rode and set a fast pace, but it was on the fifth day after they had passed Glasgow, they were set upon by four men. Beiste turned and thought his heart almost stopped at the sight of a dagger flying towards his betrothed, she was too far behind him to intercept but just before it hit her he watched Kieran lunge in front of her and the dagger lodged into his shoulder; Kieran fell from his horse and Amelia screamed as she went down with him. Beiste was already galloping towards them he shuddered to think what would have happened if Kieran had not been there. Beiste thundered with rage as his sword cut down two men who had used that diversion to barrel down on Beiste. He watched as Brodie dispatched a third man with his axe and the attacker who wielded the knife tried to flee. Lachlan went after him and shot him with an arrow. He slumped forward. They were all off their horses scanning the area for more men, but it seemed there were none.

  He roared with fury, running toward the attacker who was writhing on the ground “Who sent you?”

  “Go to hell.” the man replied.

  Beiste hit him, knocking him out. “Tie him up, he comes with us if he does not die beforehand. I want to know who these men are and why they attacked us.” Beiste was so full of rage wanted to run the man through, but he needed to extract more information. He turned and punched the man again, “That’s for trying to hurt my wife.”

  Beiste turned and knelt over Amelia, who was trying to stem the bleeding from Kieran’s wound. Kieran was out cold from the fall. The guardsmen surrounded them, both swords ready for any further attack. "Amelia love, are you, all right?” Not being able to help himself he pulled her head towards his and kissed her hard then he murmured "I could have lost you mo ghaol.”

  Amelia looked slightly stunned after the kiss, but she reassured him, “I am fine Beiste, truly.”

  While they both stared into each other's eyes, the moment was broken, “Excuse me but I think I’m the one who is dying and in need of some affection.” Amelia and Beiste both looked down and suddenly remembered Kieran was bleeding and lying in her lap.

  “Sorry Kieran, right we will need to clean this up and mend it.” Amelia quickly sprang into action and blushed that she had forgotten all about poor Kieran. Beiste moved away from her and started shouting orders they would have to stop for a short while send men to scout the area and also give Amelia time to see to Kieran’s injuries.

  Fifteen minutes later Amelia had her healing basket with her and had cleaned Kieran’s injury it was deep and in danger of getting infected but she stitched his wound together as neatly as she could, he had drunk some whiskey to numb the pain; she had talked to him to distract him, but gee was he a big baby. She had seen nothing like it, a huge gigantic man who kept saying “Ow ow that hurts, ouch it will hurt, it will hurt” when she had not even touched him yet. Once it was over, she worked on bandages for him, but she knew the exact thing which could assist with its healing faster was the one thing she did not have in her supplies. There had been a shortage of it at Dunbar this season.

  Beiste had come over to check on her, “How is he love?”

  “He’s fine, he passed out from the pain though so it’s best he sleeps for a while.”

  “Is there anything ye need?”

  “A jar of rose honey would not go astray right now.” She jokingly said, knowing that she would just have to make do with bandaging him with a simple poultice in the meantime. She kept working on the cloth.

  Beiste just stopped and stared at her as he blinked and asked, “What did you just say?”

  “I said a jar of rose honey, it’s scarce but it’s very effective for healing and sealing wounds, there’s something in the sticky part that protects the flesh from rotting and the rose petals have healing properties of their own.” Beiste just kept staring at her, “Is something the matter? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

  “Wait here.” Was all he said before he walked off. Within two minutes he was back at her side, having recovered the pouch and jar Morag had given him.

  Amelia just stared at the crushed rose petals and the jar of honey, “How on earth did you come by this?” she whispered almost in awe.

  “It was given to me by our clan healer Morag before I left, she told me, my wife would need it.”

  A shiver ran through the back of Amelia's neck and they both just stared at the items.

  “But how did she know that I would marry you instead of my sister?” They both shook their head. "Well, thank you Morag” Amelia whispered to the sky and began readying Kieran’s bandage.

  With Kieran’s injury they took a slower pace but Beiste did not want to stop overnight again until they were in Loch Lomond, Trossachs he felt safer there knowing the terrain and also they would be closer to Glenorchy once they reached there they could rest their horses then.

  Several hours later Amelia was struggling to stay on her horse. She was not used to this much riding ever. Every inch of her body was in pain. As they rode on her eyes drooped and she was feeling so tired. It was then she felt muscular arms enclose around her and they lifted her off her horse, transferred her onto the front of Lucifer. Beiste wrapped them both in his plaid and held her tight to his chest. “Sleep mo leannan.” He gently commanded, and she rested her head against his chest and did just that.

  ***

  It was the seventh day on the road and at the slower pace Amelia could appreciate the breath-taking view of the Highlands for the first time. She had thought the North coast Sea and River Tyne around Dunbar to be serene until she set eyes on Loch Lomond and the mountains beyond. It was breath-taking and her soul sang with the feeling of being home. She could not describe it but she felt like she was walking in the footsteps of
her ancestors her kin they were somewhere here in the Highlands and her heart overflowed with excitement for the future ahead.

  She was still riding with Beiste on his horse as he had refused to let her go even when she insisted she was well rested. But she was warm and did not care to argue. Beiste could not understand why, but he needed to have Amelia close to him. He just needed to feel her soft against him and it calmed him. He had never felt this attached to a woman before, but he also did not fight it. He was looking forward to them resting a full night in the Loch before they would set up a proper camp.

  That night they set up camp close to the water and sheltered by the trees. Amelia’s ability to build her shelter, source food and forage for plants impressed Beiste. She really was a forest nymph. He also noticed she was comfortable around his men and even more comfortable around him. No matter how much he scowled or acted in a mood, she just shrugged her shoulders and continued on.

  The first night they arrived they bathed in the Loch and Amelia felt so fresh. Beiste found her and it almost unmanned him watching her rise from the water her chemise clinging to her curves her hair wet she was like a siren. Amelia had glimpsed Beiste, and she felt a sudden rush of heat. He stormed over to her and they engaged in a passionate embrace. But he stopped just enough to get control. “Come, Amie we must eat and rest properly tonight for tomorrow we will reach home.”

  They ate a tasty and abundant fare of fresh fish with herbs and spices he had never known could taste so good. Amelia also made them all flour bread and oat cakes as they sat around the campfires.

  That night Beiste lay on his pallet and opened his plaid for Amelia to lie within. She came without hesitation now or argument. He liked that she sought him out and settled next to him with no awkwardness. He slept well beside her and was restless if he awoke to find her gone. He could not understand how in a scant time he had become so used to her being with him, his body craved her nearness. They slept well. The only thing that marred their stay was the next morning they discovered the man they had captured had escaped during the night and no one could fathom how. He had been secured tightly with ropes, but by morning Fergus said he awoke to find the man gone.